Biomedical Research

Background: Primary spinal epidural non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (PSENHL) is an uncommon disease. Most PSENHL are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and thoracic spine is the most common site of involvement. Primary spinal epidural B-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (LBL) is particularly rare. So far only one case at thoracic segment was reported.

Case presentation: A 16-year-old female presented with a history of pain in her lower back and lower extremities for 7 d, pain aggravated and weakness for 4 d, urinary incontinence for 2 d. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan revealed an extradural mass lesion at L3 to L5 level, which was at first suggestive of a neurogenic tumor. L4-L5 laminectomy was performed and tumor was totally resected. Histopathological examination after surgery revealed B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL)/-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Postoperative blood counts, bone marrow biopsy and aspiration were negative. The final diagnosis of primary spinal epidural B-LBL was made. Patient was treated with vincristine, daunorubicin, cyclophosphamide, L-asparaginase and prednisone after surgery. After 2 months of follow up, all the symptoms were relieved.

Conclusion: Primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the patients who present with spinal cord or cauda equina compression. This is the first primary spinal epidural B-LBL at lumbar reported as we known.

Author(s): Hongyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Ying Ren, Qi Zhong, Zongping Li, Mingqi Qu
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